If you plan on visiting Bulgaria, don’t overlook the country’s second-largest city — Plovdiv.
Packed with old-world architecture, an impressive ancient Roman theater, and one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, Plovdiv is an excellent choice for budget travelers with a taste for culture.
And speaking of culture, Plovdiv is scheduled to be the European Capital of Culture in 2019, so you can expect to hear a lot more about this magnificent city. Plan a trip now before everyone has it on their European itinerary!
Here’s how to visit Plovdiv on a budget.
Getting to Plovdiv
From London: Direct flights from London Stansted Airport are offered on Ryanair (3.5 hours, one-way fares from $40).
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From Sofia: You can take a train to Plovdiv in 2.5 hours, but most locals prefer the bus because the train timetable is not always reliable. The bus leaves from the Central Sofia Station every hour, and the ride takes 2 hours to reach Plovdiv. A one-way fare is around $10.
Tip: Keep your ticket handy to check for your seat assignment.
Old Plovdiv Guesthouse is a paradise for budget travelers. Photo: Craig Nelson
Where to stay
It’s easy to find good deals on hotels across Bulgaria but Plovdiv has especially low prices. You can stay in a modern luxury hotel for half the price of many European cities, but what really stands out are the cozy and affordable guesthouses. Private rooms in these charming accommodations go for an incredibly low price — under $50 a night. Here are a few of our favorites in the Old Town:
Guest House Old Plovdiv
There’s an appealing old-world feel to this budget hotel with free breakfast. Rooms are furnished with antique furnishings and vintage art. The super friendly staff will welcome you with open arms (and a cold glass of lemonade). Read about our “hotel crush” on Guest House Old Plovdiv.
Residence Art Guest House
Behind the colorful facade, you’ll find modern rooms that feature city views and Wi-Fi. The price is hard to beat with double rooms with a private bathroom coming in under $20 and triple rooms for less than $30.
Guest House Maison 21
You can find double rooms with shared bathrooms for under $30 at this guesthouse in the heart of old town. Cheapos will love the shared kitchen to make meals. Groups or families may want to book one of the apartments for extra space.
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Getting around Plovdiv
If you love to walk, then you’ll love exploring this city. The main tourist areas are very compact and easy to navigate without a car. In fact, the Old Town has gates preventing most vehicles from entering. One of Europe’s longest pedestrians routes runs right through the central city stretching for over a mile.
Tip: Wear comfy shoes because the city is built on seven hills and there are many cobblestone streets.
Enjoy the view from Nebet Tepe, one of the seven hills of Plovdiv. Photo: Craig Nelson.
Free and cheap things to do
Free Plovdiv Tour
This 3-hour walking tour is a fantastic introduction to the history and layout of the city. If you can join this tour on your first day in Plovdiv, you’ll get a good feel for the city. Tours leave at 11 am and 6 pm every day of the week. There is no charge, but you are encouraged to tip the guide if you enjoy the experience. Check out the Free Plovdiv Tour website for more details.
Plovdiv Old Town
Wander the cobblestone streets of this historic district filled with spectacular architecture, churches, museums, and gift shops. Walk through an amazing history that stretches from Roman times to the beautifully preserved houses from the 19th century. Most of the hotels we recommend are based here.
Kapana (The Trap)
Despite its ominous nickname, this neighborhood is bustling with a creative energy. Visit Kapana during the day to check out trendy boutiques, eateries, and galleries, then come back when the sun goes down to explore the nightlife scene.
Discover cafes and galleries in the Kapana neighborhood. Photo: Craig Nelson
Ancient Roman Theater
Holding up to 7,000 spectators, this spectacular landmark is one of the best preserved ancient theaters in the world and a highlight of Plovdiv. Mountains frame the backdrop of the stage flanked by gigantic columns. It makes for a dramatic setting, and yes, they still host live performances (see the culture section below).
Tsar Simeon Gardens
On a sweltering day, the lake and fountains of this public park make a cool spot to take a break from sightseeing. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, you can watch the Singing Fountains light up the night at 9:30 pm.
Regional Ethnographic Museum
Documenting the rich culture and history of Plovdiv, the Regional Ethnographic Museum features displays on traditional crafts, agriculture, clothing, and much more. Even if you don’t have time to check out the exhibits, the historic house and gardens are an attraction all themselves. The architecture is an outstanding example of Baroque design from the mid-19th century. Entry costs about $5.
Discover local culture at the Regional Ethnographic Museum. Photo: Craig Nelson
The main pedestrian street
Stroll past countless shops and restaurants along “Knyaz Aleksandar”, a vibrant street that stretches over a mile long. Keep an eye out for the Dzhumaya Mosque that dates back to the 15th century and the ancient Roman stadium ruins that are hiding beneath your feet. Grab a seat at a cafe or follow the locals’ lead and just wander at your own pace.
Nebet Tepe
For a lovely view of the city, make a detour from the winding cobblestone streets of Old Town to one of the spots where ancient Plovdiv began. Situated amid archaeological ruins, Nebet Tepe (Prayer Hill) is a sweet little park where you can relax and soak in the view.
Shopska salad and a cold beer at Restaurant Rahat Tepe. Photo: Craig Nelson
Eating and drinking
Old Town is brimming with restaurants — and tourists — so the prices here can be higher than elsewhere in the city. There are a few affordable options, but you might want to wander outside this district to find the best deals. Here are a few cheap eats that we like in Plovdiv:
Restaurant Rahat Tepe
Up the street from the Ethnographic Museum is Restaurant Rahat Tepe, a lively eatery and beer garden. You can sample traditional cuisine like grilled meats or just sip a Kamenitza (a popular beer in Bulgaria) at one of the outdoor tables. A full meal with appetizer, drinks, and main course won’t run you more than $10.
Grazhdanski Klubb
Take a seat on the patio for heaping portions of classic Bulgarian dishes. If the weather isn’t cooperating, head for the comfy dining room. This is one of the most affordable restaurants in Old Town.
Restaurant Megdana
Want a side of Bulgarian folk dancing with your meal? Try Restaurant Megdana for a night of traditional cuisine and fun entertainment. Despite the popularity with tourists, the prices are very reasonable. Be prepared to dance!
Tip: Head to Kapana (The Trap) neighborhood that’s filled with small restaurants and cafes. Pick one where the locals are spilling out onto the street.
Culture on the cheap
Plovdiv has an energetic arts scene with literature events, gallery openings, opera, chamber music, and live theater. Check the Visit Plovdiv Culture Calendar to see what’s going on.
Balabanov House
This architectural gem is open for tours, but the real draw at Balabanov House is the wide range of live performances from theater to classical music. The Balabanov House Music Days festival brings world-class talent to the city every spring and autumn.
A live opera on the stage of the Ancient Roman Theater. Photo: Craig Nelson
Ancient Roman Theatre
On my first day in town, the Free Plovdiv Tour took me right by the theater when they were rehearsing for an opera. I made a note to come back later that evening. Tickets were available ($5-20), but instead, I just grabbed a table at an outdoor cafe that overlooked the stage. A glass of raki (a traditional spirit) and a live performance cost me no more than $5. The surprising fireworks display was a brilliant conclusion to my introduction to Plovdiv!
Have you been to Plovdiv? Share your tips in the comments!